Rocky Elsom's return to the Wallabies against Italy in Canberra next Saturday is in doubt as the flanker awaits an assessment of his leg injury.

Elsom missed the Barbarians' 55-7 loss to Australia at the Sydney Football Stadium on Saturday due to bone bruising in his left knee but rejoined the Wallabies squad on Sunday morning for the first time since last year's Tri-Nations series.

Coach Robbie Deans indicated Elsom would be rushed straight into the starting side if fit as the replacement for blindside flanker Matt Hodgson, who injured an AC shoulder joint at the SFS.

"Rocky brought some scans with him of an old injury and he's got a bit of bruising in the bone that may impact on his availability (against Italy)," Deans told reporters on Sunday.

"The doc's going to take a look at them again and obviously catch up with Rocky and then we'll go from there."

Elsom's return after he was released early from his previous Australian rugby contract to play with Irish side Leinster would be a massive boost to the Wallabies.

The rampaging forward was man-of-the-match in Europe's Heineken Cup final two weeks ago and is in some of the best form of his career.

He joins Barbarians captain Phil Waugh in linking with the Wallabies, who were to fly to Canberra on Sunday.

Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess (hip) has been cleared of any serious injury, while winger Drew Mitchell (hamstring) is also in no doubt.

Hodgson, who was playing his first game for Australia, left the field just before half-time on Saturday night clutching painfully at his right shoulder.

"Matt Hodgson's definitely out, possibly up to three weeks," Deans said.

"So that's tough for him but he's played in the jersey now which is good and made a really good fist of it and he'll get another opportunity without a doubt."

AAP